Your Brand New Phone Might Not Work Next Month! - 3G Shut-down Could Be Even Worse Than We Already Knew?

bargain huntress on 02/10/2024 - 23:44
Last edited 03/10/2024 - 17:42 by 1 other user

Please watch this video by Hugh Jeffries featuring an interview with James Parker.

Is this an actual looming catastrophe?

James Parker's Medium:

Update 1:
Tech Man Pat says in this video that the telcos are still selling devices that won't work next month!
https://youtu.be/Szf9ZR7dCm4

Update 2:
You can find a text tl;dr summary on the medium: https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

Update 3:
Sceptics can read the legislation for themselves here:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01103/asmade/text/expla…

Mobile 3G

Comments

  • jv on 02/10/2024 - 23:55
    +4

    Is this an actual looming catastrophe?

    Yes

    • pharkurnell on 03/10/2024 - 10:55
      +1

      Modern Y2K situation about to happen!!!!!!! /s

  • MS Paint on 03/10/2024 - 00:02
    +13

    Please watch this video

    Thanks for the invitation but I'll pass on this occasion.

    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 00:36

      It's all true…

      • MS Paint on 03/10/2024 - 00:44
        +1

        I'm sure it is. I just wasn't ready to accept the invitation.

        • spackbace on 03/10/2024 - 16:12
          +1

          And then you reply all-d

  • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 00:10
    +4

    My suggestion is maybe try to change sim card to Vodafone or Telstra network if people still use Optus network with unlisted phones. Vodafone has 3G shutdown already. No problem with my phone for calling and data, not sure about 000.

    I have OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G that I bought online last year from Melbourne warehouse through Kogan website. I have:
    Vodafone sim card
    Boost Mobile (Telstra)
    Amaysim (Optus), now can only receive call/sms (didn't recharge), put it in old phones for receiving call test.

    Both Vodafone and Boost Mobile don't give warning when calling other numbers, but Amaysim gives warning about 3G shutdown when calling other numbers from my OnePlus phone.

    After sending sms, type 3 to 3498:
    Boost Mobile (Telstra):
    "We were unable to confirm if the device in use for this service number will be supported from 28 October 2024, including emergency 000 calling. Check your device manual or contact the manufacturer to see if your handset is compatible. Please contact your service provider if you require further support."

    Vodafone:
    "Thanks for using our 3G device checker. Our records as at 05 Aug 2024 indicate the device in use for your service was CPH2465." (CPH2465 is the phone model for OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G)
    "It is time to act. Your mobile phone is currently impacted and may either not be compatible with our 4G/5G network or able to make emergency 000 calls on any 4G/5G network. Please contact us for further information. NOTE: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device."

    Amaysim (Optus):
    "Hi there, our records show that as at 09/08/2024, you're using this device: ONEPLUS NORD CE 3 LITE with service number +614xxxxxxxx."
    "We've determined that this device will not be impacted when the Optus 3G network is switched off from 28 October 2024. You won't need to do anything. However, we strongly recommend that you regularly update the software on your device for optimal network performance."

    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 00:37
      +2

      not sure about 000.

      Won't it be fun when you need to and it doesn't work…

      • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 06:51
        -3

        How about unlisted phones owned by tourists? Imagine family of a tourist suing the government because the tourist unable to call 000 and died. Locals found the tourist days after that. They found that last call in the tourist's phone is 000 …

        Many tourists from China or India or other countries still use unlisted phones …

        • SBOB on 03/10/2024 - 06:57
          +2

          How about unlisted phones owned by tourists

          Of all the 'turning off of 3g' issues, this would have to rank as dead last?
          There would already be plenty of phones around the world lacking support within different countries due to band/frequency differences.

          • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 07:00
            +2

            @SBOB: Most people think that having good signal in their phones means they can call any numbers …

        • Nillionaire on 03/10/2024 - 07:44
          -2

          If you can afford to travel as a tourist, you can afford a modern phone.

          • plmko on 03/10/2024 - 08:35
            +2

            @Nillionaire: Obviously you didn't watch the video.

            Doesn't matter if you have a modern phone.

            But in any case regulators don't give two tosses about 000. Seeing as people have died waiting hours for an ambulence this far out of the pandemic.

          • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 08:42
            +1

            @Nillionaire: If you are Indian/China tourist for example and use Xiaomi phone for example, maybe you won't be able to use Telstra network … Unless maybe if you use international version of the phone that supports band 28 …

          • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:49
            +1

            @Nillionaire:

            you can afford a modern phone.

            Many modern phones will still be impacted, especially overseas models….

        • Ughhh on 03/10/2024 - 13:25

          How about unlisted phones owned by tourists? Imagine family of a tourist suing the government because the tourist unable to call 000 and died

          I would say it's up the tourist to ensure there mobile device is suitable for the country they're visiting.

          • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 17:27
            +1

            @Ughhh: Most tourists don't know about this issue and only think that as long as their phones have good signal and enough data, that's all they care.

      • EightImmortals on 03/10/2024 - 07:01
        -2

        Just call 911 instead.

    • Astrom on 03/10/2024 - 01:31

      I wonder if calling 112 would work from a 3G mobile in the interim.
      It probably wouldn't when every 3g network is shut down but until then it might?

  • payless69 on 03/10/2024 - 02:51
    -3

    Who needs 000 in an overpopulated world?

    • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 07:05
      +1

      Overpopulated? Look at China, India, USA, Bangladesh, etc. Even Japan has much bigger population than Australia, but still many news say Japan needs more babies …

      • mapax on 03/10/2024 - 07:14
        +1

        The world is full

        • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 07:27
          +1

          That's why there are pandemic and wars … But still not enough to even slash a quarter of the world's population.

          • Protractor on 03/10/2024 - 08:52
            -1

            @neoleo: Be patient ,grasshopper. (and meanwhile learn Mandarin & Russian & stock up on iodine).
            I'd say in ~5-6 weeks you can pause your Xmas plans for this year.

            Thank Mental Yahoo,it's his baby.

            • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 23:33

              @Protractor: LOL what's the correlation of this with learning languages and iodine? Too much propaganda/fake news?

              Thank Mental Yahoo,it's his baby.

              Maybe you mean "Babymetal" from Japan :P

        • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:50

          The world is full

          Yep… After 2030, it will be by appointment only and you'll need to wait in a queue…

      • payless69 on 03/10/2024 - 08:06

        Been to Tokyo many times, yep too many foreigners crossing Shibuya.
        Been to Delhi, feels like a chicken village.
        Been to New York, it is full of nutters.
        Lived in Los Angeles, somehow miss it.
        Lived in Melbourne AUS, God thanks for the 3 highways! Never looked back!
        Seen the money flow that made Singapore growing by 30% still no room there for me.
        But hey my Iphone can set emergency texts via satellite!!!!!

        • neoleo on 03/10/2024 - 08:12

          Only emergency for iPhone lol. Later many if not all android phones can send normal texts via satellite ;-) Need a new phone with that capability and maybe at least android 15.

          • payless69 on 03/10/2024 - 08:13

            @neoleo: Pixel got it too, just tube it for thirst.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/10/2024 - 04:37
    +3

    Could you possibly summarise this video for us all?

    • indium on 03/10/2024 - 07:59
      +1

      When 3G is turned off phones will use LTE/4G for calls however certain phones and carriers don't used standardised LTE technology and have their own variation of LTE that is not compatible with Australian networks therefore many phones sold in Australia and especially overseas will not work on Australian 4G networks for calls (could be in the millions). There are also many non phone devices that still use 3G technology to operate that will be made redundant.

      • pegaxs on 03/10/2024 - 09:46

        Omg! If only they gave people more notice!! There just isn’t enough time…

        • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:51
          +1

          Omg! If only they gave people more notice!!

          The problem is there are lots of currently model phones that will not work after the 3G network is shut down, even though they are marketed as 4G Volte.

        • ESEMCE on 03/10/2024 - 10:24
          +1

          Bullshit argument. This is much bigger than just a phone issue.

          You think Farmers should go and replace their $250,000 tractors that only have 3G modems installed cause they should have known (before the carriers had publicised their plans) that their decades long investment would be written down far earlier than planned and budgeted for?
          Absolutely ridiculous!

          What about all the devices that would not be expected to call 000 that will also be disconnected due to an incompatibility with a service they were never intended to contact?

          Swinging back to the phone argument,
          If the carriers didn't recognise the E000 issue until ~12 months ago, how the F were consumers supposed to be able to recognise the issue when they made a purchasing decision 12 or more months ago? That fact alone should be sufficient to push this decision 5+ years, but no, our government has just bent us all over to please their corporate lobbyist mates.
          While you and I might be fortunate enough to go and blow $500+ on a new handset (I have done so reluctantly, my device was/is fine, but will be affected), so many people are struggling financially and are now being strong armed to replace perfectly functional devices (well within their anticipated useful lives under Australian Consumer Law) by mega corporations, with the assistance of our pissweak government who have done nothing towards directing corporations to minimise the number of affected handsets.

          • mboy on 03/10/2024 - 10:54
            +5

            @ESEMCE:

            You think Farmers should go and replace their $250,000 tractors that only have 3G modems installed cause they should have known (before the carriers had publicised their plans) that their decades long investment would be written down far earlier than planned and budgeted for?

            Surely you understand these 3G modems are a modular component and can therefore be swapped out for a 4G modem without having to replace the whole tractor?

            Many articles mention farmers doing just that; "New South Wales grain grower Ian Carter has successfully upgraded four of his tractors but now he is wondering about the irrigation sensors and the monitors on bores and tanks on his Quirindi farm." Source

            The same goes for any other equipment where these modems are installed. I'm not going to claim that it's always as simple as "yanking out the old one and plugging in a new one", but to claim they have to replace the whole tractor is a crazy over-exaggeration.

            • ESEMCE on 03/10/2024 - 13:04
              +1

              @mboy: I'm sure most and perhaps all probably can be upgraded.
              But you know the Vendors wont be giving them out for free, nor will they be unlocking software to allow a non-certified technician to install them, it'll be $500 for the modem and another couple hundred in Labour and callout fees.

              But you bring up another excellent point…
              Are there 5G modem upgrades for 3G tractors?
              By my understanding Telstra is converting their 850MHz (ie current 3G) spectrum to 5G, not 4G…
              A 4G modem upgrade is going to do diddly for most farms in that scenario.

              And Tractors are just one example of many that require upgrading from perfectly functional devices some of which will require replacement due to the good old "we don't support that" excuse.

              Finally, proponents for this switchover want to separate the E000 situation from the 3G Shitdown, but they're one and the same in reality. It's probably the bigger slice of the technology redundancy pie.
              You've chosen to ignore that gaping hole in your "3 months is sufficient notice" argument.

              • FullPrice on 04/10/2024 - 05:27

                @ESEMCE:

                A 4G modem upgrade is going to do diddly for most farms in that scenario.

                Respectfully it will be fine.

    • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:51

      You can find a text tldr summary on the medium: https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

      • AustriaBargain on 03/10/2024 - 15:56

        I'm starting to suspect you haven't watched or read it yourself, if you can't summarise it yourself for us :(

        • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 17:12

          I have

          @Indium has already summarised most of it for you

          What else do you want?

  • SBOB on 03/10/2024 - 06:43
    +2

    Same 'discussion' that happened in previous 3g posts
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/851545
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/831732
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/757025

    And even back in 2019
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/497493

    What new information does "James Parker" add?

    • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:47
      -1

      That many 4G and 5G phones will also be effected.

      That if a phone is unable to use the specific unstandard VoLTE and call emergency services the phone will be network blocked and unusable for anything.

      You should actually watch the video or read the medium

      • SBOB on 03/10/2024 - 17:54

        You should actually look at the previous discussions as the first link talks about exactly that.

        • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 18:24
          -1

          Sorry i had looked but not read every comment

          Im not sure if im missing something else, but someone is talking about enabling volte

          More problems layed out in my sources here, are that:
          Some devices cant enable volte (i seem to have one of those)
          And Some dont use it even when it is enabled
          And Volte isnt standardised so it can be enabled but not work

    • ESEMCE on 03/10/2024 - 21:14

      What new information does "James Parker" add?

      (According to) James Parker alerted authorities of the looking E000 issue.
      The carriers either hid or disregarded this issue (I fail to believe that nobody at the carriers knew)

      A fairly significant contribution…

  • Nillionaire on 03/10/2024 - 07:49
    +2

    Is this an actual looming catastrophe?

    Nah

  • altomic on 03/10/2024 - 08:51
    +4

    Hey kids, this is what your parents and grandparents went through with the Y2K panic.

    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:53
      +2

      went through with the Y2K panic.

      That's because companies impacted spent a lot of money fixing their systems, unlike now…
      Telstra won't fix their problems with Volte.

    • valuer on 03/10/2024 - 13:20
      -2

      Y2K was largely a non-event for most people. Also, you could simply set the date forward and test many devices. The main issue was that it was a HUGE earner within the industry.

      • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:40
        -2

        you could simply set the date forward and test many devices

        There doesnt seem to be an equivalent test for this situation.

        They dont even know which models of phone will be able to call 000 after the shut down

        Which is why lots of 4G and 5G phones will be blocked and effectively bricked after the shutdown date.

        You should actually watch the video

  • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 09:12

    Is this an actual looming catastrophe?

    No, many countries are already shutting down 3G.

    As for the clickbait video title, yes if device doesn't support VoLTE then it won't be able to make VOICE calls, same as if I travel overseas and don't have the support for their networks.

    The devices will still have data and SMS.

    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:53

      many countries are already shutting down 3G.

      But still keep their 2G network running.

      " 2G will be retired by 2033"

      https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-…

      • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 11:24

        The UK isn't many countries, just one.

        Most countries have shutdown 2G ages ago, just like OZ.

        3G has also shutdown in lots of counteries.

        • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:28
          +1

          The UK isn't many countries, just one.

          It is one example of many.

          Belgium are in the process of shutting down 3G, but are keeping 2G until 2030.

          • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 11:36

            @jv:

            It is one example of many.

            So it will be easy for you to list 5 countries that are keeping 2g and 3g running?

            • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:37
              +1

              @JimmyF: Why do you need 5?

            • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:38
              +1

              @JimmyF: UK
              Belgium
              Italy
              Luxembourg
              Poland
              Romania
              Spain

              • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 11:41

                @jv:

                Belgium
                Luxembourg
                Poland
                Romania
                Spain

                Some mobile networks have already shutdown 3G, with the last one to be shutdown end of 2025. Not a great example.

                Italy

                3G already shutdown, so no deal.

                • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:43
                  +1

                  @JimmyF: Do they have the same Volte issue that Telstra has ?

                  • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 11:45

                    @jv:

                    Do they have the same Volte issue that Telstra has ?

                    They don't have Telstra. So no.

                    Please document the issue you think Telstra has.

                    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:57
                      +1

                      @JimmyF:

                      They don't have Telstra. So no.

                      Well we do, thus the issue with many 4G/5G phones not being able to work properly when 3G is shut down.

                • jv on 03/10/2024 - 11:59
                  +1

                  @JimmyF:

                  Not a great example.

                  They will all have 2G for many more years…

                  • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 14:44

                    @jv:

                    They will all have 2G for many more years…

                    What's that got to do with the thread about shutting down 3G?

                    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 14:49
                      +1

                      @JimmyF: Because some 3G phones will work on a 2G network.

                      • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 15:04

                        @jv: So not all?

                        • jv on 03/10/2024 - 15:13
                          +1

                          @JimmyF:

                          So not all?

                          watch the video, it explains the issue and does not say all phones will be impacted.

                          • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 22:02

                            @jv:

                            and does not say all phones will be impacted.

                            So only some are impacted? Time for them to update theirs phones

                            • jv on 03/10/2024 - 22:20

                              @JimmyF:

                              Time for them to update theirs phones

                              Most may not know until the phone stops working.

                              Or worse still, it works but they won't know they can't make an emergency call.

                              • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 22:38

                                @jv:

                                Most may not know until the phone stops working.

                                Well thats not true, they are getting advised they won't work.

                                Or worse still, it works but they won't know they can't make an emergency call.

                                Its all calls, not just emergency calls. They'll know way before then.

                                • jv on 03/10/2024 - 22:43

                                  @JimmyF:

                                  Well thats not true, they are getting advised they won't work.

                                  Not much use to elderly people who can't understand English.

                                  Its all calls, not just emergency calls.

                                  No, some phones are just impacted for emergency calls.

        • miwahni on 03/10/2024 - 21:21
          +1

          Just to be an absolute pedant - the UK is actually four countries, not one. England, Scotland, Wales (which together comprise Great Britain) and Northern Ireland.

    • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:37
      +1

      The devices will still have data and SMS.

      No it will not. The telcos will block it on the 3g shut down date.

      Please actually watch the video.

      • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 16:28

        No it will not. The telcos will block it on the 3g shut down date.

        BS, Sure they won't have VoLTE aka calls, but they'll still connect to 4G data.

        Please actually watch the video.

        No thank you.

      • jv on 03/10/2024 - 22:21

        The telcos will block it on the 3g shut down date.

        Optus have already started blocking phones they deem will be impacted…

  • pegaxs on 03/10/2024 - 09:44

    What are all the cookers gonna do when they turn 3G off and force everyone onto the 5G and it turns on all the Bill Gates nanobots we were injected with during the Covid hoax?

    I remember this same shit going on when they shut down the analogue network and all the boomers freaking out it then. People have had years to prepare for this and this is what they get when waiting to the last minute to sort their shit out.

    • jv on 03/10/2024 - 09:57
      +1

      same shit going on when they shut down the analogue network

      It was pretty easy to work out which devices would not work then…

      Now, there are lots of 4G Volte devices that will not work properly when 3G is shut down. eg. iPhone 11 (US models) are impacted

  • pharkurnell on 03/10/2024 - 10:56
    +4

    Hugh Jeffries thanks you for the clicks

    • MS Paint on 03/10/2024 - 11:10
      +1

      Didn't get .000000000001¢ from me

  • HardQuiz on 03/10/2024 - 12:31
    +1

    Can someone explain to me what is the benefit for telcos to shut down 3G ?

    • ESEMCE on 03/10/2024 - 12:50
      +2

      They can stop maintaining old equipment.
      Plus it will push more people onto 5G, hopefully in the process get those people spending more money, which will make their shareholders happier.

    • valuer on 03/10/2024 - 13:24
      +1

      Reuse bandwidth?

      Get newer equipment with more features?

      Sell phones and services to perplexed customers who turn up at a shop and ask why their phone doesn't 'work' anymore.

  • djoz on 03/10/2024 - 13:24

    So far, I've only read about Optus yanking service from an old 3G handset and "unsupported 5g" handsets.
    I haven't yet read about any other telco, even Optus MVNO (like Catch, Coles Mobile, Amaysim) taking this step yet.

    Although I ain't sure in case of MVNOs who has the authority to pull the plug, Optus or the MVNO.

    • ESEMCE on 03/10/2024 - 14:49
      +1

      There's also a number of examples of Optus MVNO's pulling service for 4G handsets on Whirlpool. I think the legal responsibility is on the carrier (ie Optus, Voda or Telstra) to disable service.

  • ThithLord on 03/10/2024 - 15:07

    If you're on Telstra, you can send an SMS "3" (no quotations) to 3498 and it will reply letting you know the compatibility of your device.

    • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:35
      -1

      The video says that is not accurate.

      • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 16:32

        The video says that is not accurate.

        The video is wrong, I just did it on my Tesla phone and it worked.

        How about you try it yourself instead of spreading FUD.

        • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 17:27
          -1

          I have done it.

          One 4G phone purchased from a telstra shop well after their promised cut off date says it wont be supported.

          Also look at neoleos post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15764389/redir

          He got a different answer from each network

          The video is wrong, I just did it on my Tesla phone and it worked.

          I don't know how to break this to you, but there's no way for you to know if the message you got is accurate until the network gets shut off

          • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 18:20

            @bargain huntress:

            He got a different answer from each network

            Yes, just because one phone works on one network, doesn't mean it will work on another. Hence the different results.

          • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 18:21

            @bargain huntress:

            One 4G phone purchased from a telstra shop well after their promised cut off date says it wont be supported.

            What is the phones model?

      • ThithLord on 03/10/2024 - 16:55
        +1

        Oh, I didn't watch the video - did they mention this? I sent the text, Telstra said I'm on an iPhone 12 Mini whereas I updated last week to a 16 Pro. Not sure how they get their info

  • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:34
    -1

    Update 1:
    Tech Man Pat says in this video that the telcos are still selling devices that won't work next month!
    https://youtu.be/Szf9ZR7dCm4

    • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 16:33

      Tech Man Pat says in this video that the telcos are still selling devices that won't work next month!

      So which phone is being sold today that isn't going to work next month? I couldn't be bothered watching the video, as I know its BS.

      • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 17:32
        -1

        If they actually had enough information from the manufacturers, or gave a s*@&, they would withdraw them from sale. But they dont. How can he tell you which ones if the telco doesnt know themselves?

        • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 18:19
          +1

          LOL The telcos know, they have been sending messages and letters to phone holders. Stop buying into the FUD.

          • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 18:28
            -1

            @JimmyF: A telstra shop told us that a phone that isnt going to work will work last week

            Its a new a few years ago 4g phone from telstra

            When you make a call it says to enable volte

            Even the telstra shop couldnt work out how to do that

            But still said it would be fine

            Magical thinking at telstra

            • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 18:57

              @bargain huntress:

              A telstra shop told us that a phone that isnt going to work will work last week

              and the model of that phone is……..?

              Its a new a few years ago 4g phone from telstra

              few as in 2? 5? 10 years ago?

              • SBOB on 03/10/2024 - 19:25

                @JimmyF: It's like they are avoiding saying which model phone for a reason :/

                • JimmyF on 03/10/2024 - 19:44

                  @SBOB: Yeah I'm getting that feeling as well. Guessing its some mega old phone that a few years ago, was 7 years ago they purchased it.

  • bargain huntress on 03/10/2024 - 15:53
    -2

    Update 2: You can find a text tl;dr summary on the medium: https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

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